The British Shooting Sports Council (BSSC) has approved plans to establish a national campaign coordination role in preparation for potential Government proposals to align Sections 1 and 2 of the Firearms Acts.
The decision follows confirmation that the Home Office is preparing a firearms consultation expected to address alignment, restrictions on private sales and other measures relating to proofing and firearms control.
Research commissioned by the Gun Trade Association (GTA) indicates that alignment alone could remove more than £1 billion of turnover from the UK gun trade in its first year. According to the case presented to Council, losses on this scale would place severe pressure on retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers, with wider effects across shooting participation and the rural economy.
The move is described as contingency planning designed to ensure that, should the Government decide to legislate following the consultation, the trade and shooting sector is able to respond in a coordinated and professional way.
ROLE APPROVED — CONSULTATION STILL COMES FIRST
Member organisations will continue to focus initially on encouraging high-quality submissions to the consultation. However, with the coordination post now approved, preparations can begin for a campaign phase if alignment is taken forward by Government.
The role — funded with support from the Shooting Industry Fund (SIF) — is intended to sit within the BSSC Secretariat and will report to BSSC secretary Jeremy Hinde.
The coordinator will not act as a lobbyist or spokesperson. Instead, the remit will be to:
• develop a shared strategic framework
• ensure consistent messaging and themes
• coordinate timing and campaign planning across organisations
• identify overlaps and reduce duplication
• help deliver a coherent, unified national response
Governance oversight will be provided by a the BSSC Secretary who will report to the wider Council. If the Government ultimately decides not to legislate for alignment, the post will be discontinued.
NEXT STEPS
With the framework now approved, initial planning work will begin while the sector awaits publication of the consultation and, later, the Government’s response.